First post, by NightShadowPT
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- Member
Hi,
I started this thread in search of a manual for the Compaq Deskpro/M series, but it has since grown into a mega threat about this Compaq model launched in 1991 with "Intelligent Modularity". It covers processors from the 386/25 to the Pentium/66 (I have attached a photo of my system below for reference).
The purpose of this thread is to help owners of the DeskPro/M computers by aggregating manuals, spec sheets, documents, videos, etc., all in one place about this computer.
The main "missing in action" at the moment are the Manuals, as they don't seem to be available anywhere online.
I would like to make a call for help to the community to assist me in identifying more resources of interest for this machine. Above all, if anyone can help with the digitization of the manuals (or has a physical manual they can part with), that would be amazing.
Here are some interesting resources related with the Compaq DeskPro/M series of computers:
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Manuals:
- Missing in Action
Product Sheets:
- The Compaq Deskpro/M Family of Personal Computers (1992)
- Deskpro 386/25M Brochure (1992)
- Deskpro 486/33M Brochure (1992)
- Deskpro 486s/16M Brochure (1992)
- Deskpro 486s/25M Brochure (1992)
- Deskpro 50M Brochure (486DX2/50) (1992)
- Deskpro 66M Brochure (486DX2/66) (1992)
- Compaq Deskpro/M Windows Edition (1992)
- QVision 1024/E Graphics System
Tech Sheets and other tech :
- Compaq Deskpro M Family - A 2 page document from 1996 that contains very high level information on the systems - useful for identifying the part numbers of the various available upgrades.
- Deskpro/M Family Quick Reference Guide - Web page containing information similar to the previous document, but in some cases it has additional detail on the boards.
- Power Supply Pinout Information - Because the power supply for these machines is proprietary and very hard to find, this valuable information can help those in a pinch.
- Power Supply Recap Details - Very useful post here at Vogons detailing the power supply recap procedure.
- Compaq Computer Buying Price List
- Compiled Doc - Contains miscelaneous information about the Compaq Deskpro/M family - Configuration switches, EISA Config, Qvision cards specifications, Memory Matrix, Configuration Codes, etc.
Magazine references:
- Article from PC Magazine about upgrade paths for the Compaq Deskpro/M Family (1994) - An article from PC Magazine Vol.13 number 19 from November 1994 focusing on the available upgrade paths for these computers, highlighting the pros and cons.
- AD Featuring the Deskpro/M, the ProLinea and the Deskpro/i
Videos:
- Compaq DeskPro/M promotional video - An 11 minute promotional video from Compaq that shows how different (and over engineered) these machines where for their time. Fascinating watch.
- Recuperation of a Compaq Deskpro 386/25M - The video is not too technical, but has some good shots of the components inside the machine. Also, it's always good to see a machine like this brought back to life.
- Filming of the interior of a rare Compaq Deskpro 5/60M - Short video, filmed more than 10 years ago showing the interior of a Deskpro 5/60M, the footage is low quality, but valuable because of how rare these machines are.
- Computer Chronicles Pentium vs 486PCs - Demonstration of performance difference between Compaq Deskpro 486/33M and a Deskpro 5/60M. Good shots of the rare Pentium upgrade board.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- If you are having trouble installing more RAM (this was tested with 64MB), disconnect the IDE cable, boot the PC, configure the memory, shut down and reconnect the IDE cable.
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I will be updating the links in this post if/when I get more information.
Thanks in advance.
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Thanks to the following contributors:
Ydee - For most of the Product Sheet links
pentiumspeed - For the link to the Power Supply Pinout
maxtherabbit - For the link to the Power Supply recap thread
PC Hoarder Patrol - For the link to the compiled document
NightShadowPT
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Compaq Deskpro M 486/66 - 64MB Ram - Compaq QVision 1MB - Orpheus II Sound
Card - 4GB SCSI HDD + 4GB CF Card - SCSI CD-ROM Plextor PX-32TSi - Adaptec WideSCSI AHA-2740W - 3COM Etherlink III Card
